There are any number of ways as mentioned and I " USE THEM ALL". I tend to rely more on the line angle for controlling the action on the lure, gps speed next and the paddle wheel third. One of the first things I noticed when I got my first gps unit was that there were many times when trolling against the current in open water that I was staying still or moving backwards while maintaining line angle and paddlewheel speed which equaled to very low catch ratios. The gps takes that factor out of the equation and also helps get me back to a spot where I hit a fish ( Its amazing how many people keep on going and not bother to go back to where they've hit fish). My catch ratio skyrocketed once I got my gps and learned how to use it in conjuction with maintaining the proper line angles for the type of lure I'm presenting. It'll take some expermentation on your part to find the right combination for your boat. Good Luck